"Recognise the Dignity of Each Child"

On Sunday 27 September, the Church marks the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. This year’s theme, ‘Even just one of these children’, comes from Pope Leo XIV’s message and invites us to reflect on the dignity, needs, and hopes of migrant and refugee children and young people.

For many children, home is not a place of safety. Conflict, persecution, poverty, and climate change can force families to leave behind everything they know.

As Christians, we are reminded that Jesus himself knew what it meant to be a refugee. In the Gospel of Matthew, Joseph is warned to take Mary and the child Jesus and flee to Egypt because Herod seeks the child’s life.

Pope Leo XIV’s calls us “to recognise the dignity of each child, even before considering the condition of being a ‘migrant’, and to safeguard his or her fundamental rights”.

Refugee Sunday is an opportunity for us to pause, pray, and consider how we respond to those who are seeking safety and a place to belong. We are invited to look beyond headlines and statistics, and to recognise the person in front of us: a child, a parent, a brother or sister, a neighbour.

World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Sunday 27 September

This year’s theme, ‘Even just one of these children’, comes from Pope Leo XIV’s message and invites us to reflect on the dignity, needs, and hopes of migrant and refugee children and young people."

Father Hudson's Caritas (Brushstrokes), St Chad's Sanctuary, and Fatima House have released a letter encouraging parishes to mark Refugee Sunday in whatever way possible, whether through:

• sharing the letter either verbally or in printing and displaying,
• referencing the day and theme in parish newsletters, and/or
• including refugees in the bidding prayers:

"For refugee and migrant children and young people that they may find welcome, friendship, and a place to belong.

Open our hearts to those who arrive in our communities, helping us to see each person as a beloved child of God. May our parishes be places where all are received with kindness, dignity, and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer."

TONIGHT: Office for Mission Zoom for September

Thursday 24 September 7.30-8.30pm

Do you want to see an evangelising and disciple-making Church? Do you have ideas that you'd like to share? Are you looking for others with whom you can discover and discuss different approaches to mission?

Consider joining our regular Office for Mission Zoom this month for the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Hosted by Paul Northam (Diocesan Advisor for Evangelisation & Discipleship with Marriage & Family Life) the aim is to renew vision, create community, and to build missionary parishes - in other words to "Envision, Encounter & Equip"!

Join us to find out more - contact Paul at office.mission@rcaob.org.uk for details about how to log in to the Zoom.

Disability Awareness Sunday

Sunday 27 September

Parishes across the Archdiocese are invited to celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday.

The Through the Roof charity is providing support and resources for this annual event. This year's theme is 'One Body, Many Parts'.

The most important thing about Disability Awareness Sunday is that Christians reach out and include disabled people fully in community life.

Disability Inclusion Policy

Rooted in the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church, the Archdiocese of Birmingham has a deep commitment to being a welcoming church, welcoming and supporting individuals with physical, sensory, and learning disabilities, those who are neurodivergent and those living with dementia. We affirm that every person is a beloved child of God and a vital part of the Body of Christ.

We are committed to ensuring that our parishes are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for disabled people and their families.

A diocesan Disability Inclusion Policy for parish use is now available on the diocesan website, alongside information and resources.

An opportunity to join Adoremus in London this year

On Saturday 10 October, the Bishops of England & Wales will be holding an event called the Adoremus National Eucharistic Congress, at Westminster and Southwark Catholic Cathedrals.

During the Congress there will be Holy Mass, a keynote speaker, a Eucharistic Procession and Benediction. There will also be Holy Hours and an all-night-Vigil for those wanting to stay later.

Our Archdiocese is already sending representatives, however there is still space for more to attend. There is no cost for a ticket, but pilgrims will need to make their own way to the venue - joining with the Birmingham delegation once they arrive.

If you are interested in attending and would like to know more, please visit the Diocesan Adoremus pages (linked).

To secure your place, please contact the Adoremus Rep for the Archdiocese of Birmingham, Mr Paul Northam: paul.northam@rcaob.org.uk

Fruitful celebration of the Church's Liturgy

Popes Benedict, Francis and Leo have each identified the need for an urgent addressing of the the continued challenges regarding the fruitful celebration of the Church’s liturgy.

They have issued challenges to priests about the way they exercise their responsibilities, and to us all about how we actively participate in it. (And if not ‘us’ then ‘others’!). They often use an unfamiliar phrase to describe the form of catechesis needed – ‘mystagogical catechesis’.

The phrase might put us off, but it simply means catechesis that explores the meaning of the rites themselves, and how thsee rites give expression to our faith and call us to ‘put on Christ’. Want to learn more? And take part in some brief introductory sessions? Click below.

Now underway: The Season of Creation

Running until Sunday 4 October, this year's Season of Creation has the theme "Living Water", inspired by the vision of God's life-giving water bringing renewal and healing to creation.

A range of resources are now available on the diocesan website for use in parishes, schools, communities, homes.

Celebrating 800 Years of St Francis of Assisi

Celebrating the 800th Anniversary of St Francis of Assisi at St Francis of Assisi Parish, Handsworth, as the parish marks this special milestone through prayer, service and fellowship. Everyone is warmly invited to take part in the celebrations.

Key dates:

• Throughout September: Reflections on the life and works of St Francis, with a focus on care for creation, alongside a parish outreach initiative supporting those in need.
• Friday 2 October, 10am: Schools' Celebration of the Transitus of St Francis.
• Friday 2 October, 5pm: Parish Celebration of the Transitus of St Francis, including an illustrated talk by Msgr Patrick Kilgariff.
• Saturday 3 October: Franciscan Day of Service and Fellowship.
• Sunday 4 October, 9.30am: Solemn Parish Mass for the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre.

Book for Laudato Si' Retreat Days

Open to primary and secondary schools across the Archdiocese, held at St Mary's College, Oscott.

Dates available throughout September and into October.

A new initiative at Oscott College to support schools in responding to the request of Pope Francis and exploring Catholic Social Teaching within the context of protecting our common home.

St John Henry Newman: Programme of talks resumes for 2026-27

The Coventry Circle of the Newman Association begin their latest season of talks on Tuesday 29 September.

'Priestly Formation for a Changing church' by Fr Pat Kilgarriff.

Talks are followed by discussion and refreshments, 7.30pm in the Margaret Roper Room at St Thomas More church in Coventry. All welcome.

Hopkins Society Day

Birmingham Oratory, Saturday 3 October

Booking is now open for this event, hosted by the Hopkins Society.

The Society celebrates the life and work of the Jesuit poet-priest, Gerard Manley Hopkins, and meets for study days in places connected with Hopkins’ life.

Hopkins lived and worked at the Birmingham Oratory School from 1867-68, and he visited St Chad’s Cathedral in September 1866, a month before he was received into the Catholic Church at the Oratory by Newman.

A full programme is planned for Saturday 3 October.

Workplace Chaplaincy Sunday

Following the successful and inaugural Workplace Chaplaincy Sunday in 2025, WorkCare West Midlands are organising a similar event this year, to be held on Sunday 4 October.

On this day, please:

• Pray for all church members in their place of work
• Reflect on how faith influences the workplace
• Support and pray for workplace chaplains.

Find a video and ideas for your parish.

Rosary for Vocations this October

The North Staffordshire Deanery is launching a month-long social media Rosary for Vocations on Sunday 4 October.

Weekday videos throughout October will lead viewers in praying a decade of the Rosary with intentions for priests, deacons, religious sisters and brothers, married couples, lay vocations and those discerning priesthood.

The series begins with an introduction from Fr David Newell and concludes with a message from Bishop Tim on 31 October. All are invited to join in prayer online throughout the month.

Become a Caritas Parish Ambassador

Father Hudson’s Caritas is inviting people from across the Archdiocese to become Caritas Parish Ambassadors.

Find out how you can help promote social action in your parish and support the charity’s mission at an online information session on Monday 5 October at 7pm.

Newman Night Walk: Oxford to Littlemore

Join the annual Newman Night Walk on Thursday 8 October from Oxford to Littlemore, marking the arrival of Blessed Dominic Barberi and the reception of St John Henry Newman into the Catholic Church.

Organised by the Sisters of The Work at Littlemore, this long-standing pilgrimage has commemorated these significant events for more than 30 years.

Could you befriend a refugee?

An invitation from Restore

The next training course at Restore will be held at St John's Church, Harborne, Birmingham on Saturday 10 October.

The course is for anyone interested in learning more about refugees, or those considering volunteering as a befriender with Restore.

The training day will start at 9.45am and finish at 4pm. The day will include three sessions separated by two breaks:

• Session 1 - Introduction to Restore and the global refugee situation.
• Session 2 - The asylum process in the UK and resettlement schemes.
• Session 3 - Guidelines and boundaries in befriending relationships.

Prisons Week 2026

Sunday 11 - Saturday 17 October

"All Are Invited"

This year’s campaign takes it’s inspiration from Matthew 22:1-14, which says ‘the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests’.

Find videos, resources and support via the Diocesan website.

Relics of St Gerard Majella to Visit Wolverhampton

The relics of St Gerard Majella will visit St Michael's Catholic Church, Wolverhampton on Saturday 17 October as part of celebrations marking the 300th anniversary of his birth.

Mass with a sermon will be celebrated at 12 noon, with the relics available for prayer for an hour beforehand and blessings with the relics after Mass.

St Gerard is the patron saint of mothers, couples trying to conceive, those seeking work, and those preparing to make a good confession. All are warmly welcome.

Church Action on Poverty Sunday

This year's Church Action on Poverty Sunday will take place on Sunday 18 October, with a theme of "Food, faith and fellowship".

A record number of churches took part last year, and interested churches are encouraged to register now.

Resource packs are now available, including art resources; suggested hymns, prayers and sermon notes; posters; and tabletop conversation cards and placemats for churches hosting lunches.

Time4Brum: Birmingham, Let's Pray Together

Sunday 18 October, 6.00pm, St Martin's in the Bullring

Across Birmingham, churches of every denomination are coming together for a city-wide gathering of worship and prayer.

At a time when our city faces significant challenges and opportunities, we believe God is calling His people to unite, seek His presence, and pray for His kingdom to come in Birmingham.

Trustee and Volunteer Opportunities

The Archdiocese of Birmingham is seeking practising Catholics with professional experience to serve as Trustees and committee members, particularly in safeguarding, property, governance, heritage and the work of Harvington Hall.

Live out your faith through service and help shape the future of the Church.

A better world needs all of us

Could you become a CAFOD Schools Volunteer and help children learn about global justice issues?

CAFOD is looking for volunteers to visit Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Birmingham, helping children and young people explore global justice through assemblies and workshops.

No previous experience is necessary. Full training, resources, safeguarding support and DBS checks are provided, and travel expenses are reimbursed.

Training begins in the week commencing 5 October 2026.

Jobs and Volunteering

Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations

Paid positions

St Mary's College, Oscott

Part-time weekend chef (Friday / Saturday / Sunday) – term time only (35 wks pa)

Closing date : 30th September 2026

Father Hudson's Caritas provides social care throughout the Archdiocese.

Roles currently available include:

Relief Support Worker. No closing date.

Foster Carers. No closing date.

St Joseph's Residential Care Home, Relief Care Assistants. No closing date

Voluntary Positions

Lead Trustee for Safeguarding

Lead Trustee for Property

Lead Trustee and Chair of Harvington Hall Management Committee

The Trustees are seeking to appoint skilled and committed Catholic volunteers with relevant professional experience.

Several other opportunities are also advertised on our website including:

Volunteers to support Laudato Si' days at St Mary's College, Oscott.

Join KYT's Mission Team

An opportunity for 18 - 25 years olds at the Kenelm Youth Trust.

Become a Faith Rep with Mary's Meals.

Parish Appealers are needed by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Volunteer at Tabor Living, Birmingham.

Booking Open: Emmaus Men's Retreat

“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

Becoming a Man After God's Own Heart

Booking is open for the Emmaus Weekend Men's Retreat 2026, in November. To be led by David Wells, one of the Church's most respected Catholic speakers, authors, and retreat leaders.

Date: Fri 6 Nov - Sun 8 Nov

Location: The Hayes Conference Centre, Alfreton, DE55 1AU

Cost: £238

Accommodation & Meals: Individual ensuite room included, together with Friday evening dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and evening meal, and Sunday breakfast and lunch.

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